Q83: The characteristic of Saline-Alkali soil are: - Pedology, Soil Physics, Soil Colloids, Problem Soils & Water Quality - ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 - Physical Science | Agrigyan

Classification of salt-affected soils (USDA Handbook 60 / USSL, Richards 1954):

• Saline Soil: $EC \gt 4.0\text{ dS/m}$, $ESP \lt 15\%$, $pH \lt 8.5$.
• Sodic (Alkali) Soil: $EC \lt 4.0\text{ dS/m}$, $ESP \gt 15\%$, $pH \gt 8.5$ (up to 10.0).
• Saline-Sodic Soil: $EC \gt 4.0\text{ dS/m}$, $ESP \gt 15\%$, and $pH$ around or above 8.5 (as keyed in Option 1).
  • Scientific Nuance: Per USDA Handbook 60, in the presence of excess neutral soluble salts (chlorides, sulfates), hydrolysis is suppressed and pH is seldom > 8.5; upon leaching of excess salts, pH readily rises above 8.5.